Lumbar Traction for Lower Back Pain
Experts estimate that about 80% of adults will experience lower back pain, also known as lumbar pain. Common treatments for lower back pain include rest, heat, and over the counter or prescription painkillers. But when the pain doesn’t go away, other treatments options may be available including lumbar traction, a method of spinal decompression therapy.
Lumbar traction performed at Village Chiropractic is a nonsurgical method of spinal decompression therapy used to relieve pressure on the lower spine. At Village Chiropractic, we use Back on Trac technology for reducing pressure on the discs in the lower back.
What is Back on Trac?
Back on Trac is a lumbar traction system that performs safe, nonsurgical stretching of the lower spine. The patient sits in the comfortable chair during the decompression session that stretches the spine and then relaxes it over the course of 12-15 minutes. Most patients require 12-24 sessions, about 2-3 times a week, for spinal traction to reduce back pain.
Vibration and heat can also be used at the same as Back on Trac to help relax the back muscles for easier stretching and better results.
What Back Conditions Are Treated with Back on Trac Spinal Traction?
Back on Trac can be an effective treatment option for reducing pain associated with common lower back conditions, including:
Herniated (or ruptured) discs in the lower back which occur when the soft center of a spinal disk pushes through a crack in the exterior casing.
Bulging discs in the lower back which occur when the soft center of a spinal disk pushes outward but does not break through the outer casing.
Sciatica pain that commonly occurs when a herniated disc or bone spur in the spine presses on the sciatic nerve. The pain originates in the spine and goes down the back of the leg.
Degenerative disc disease, caused by the breakdown or deterioration of one or more disc between the vertebrae.
Spinal arthritis that causes the break down of the cartilage in the spine where the vertebrae join together.
Pinched nerves which are caused by too much pressure being applied to a nerve by the surrounding tissue.
Why Use Lumbar Traction?
Nonsurgical Lower Back Pain Treatment
The most appealing benefit of using lumbar traction, and the Back on Trac technology, is the fact that it is a nonsurgical option that can help patients relieve pain and potentially avoid or delay spine surgery.
Easy to Receive Treatment
Patients simply sit in the Back on Trac chair while the chiropractor positions you so that you’re reclining comfortably. Next, the decompression takes place by applying tension, controlled by the doctor, for several minutes while the muscles and spinal column are gently stretched.
Be sure to tell Dr. Thomas if you have been diagnosed with any type of spinal or bone condition such as osteoporosis.
Some patients experience some muscle spasms during or after treatment, which usually go away within a day.
If you or a loved one suffer from chronic lower back pain or you have been diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disk, Back on Trac may be an option for you. Please request an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Thomas, located in The Woodlands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Traction
-
Lumbar traction is a nonsurgical treatment that gently stretches the lower spine. Village Chiropractic uses Back on Trac to provide controlled traction as part of conservative treatment for certain lower back conditions.
-
Back on Trac uses controlled positioning and traction to gently stretch the lumbar spine. The treatment is designed to reduce pressure on certain structures and improve movement and comfort for appropriately selected patients.
-
Lumbar traction may be considered for some patients with lower back pain, sciatica, degenerative disc problems, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis, or certain types of nerve irritation. An evaluation is needed to determine whether it is appropriate.
-
It may be helpful for some patients when sciatica is associated with a lumbar condition that responds to traction. Because sciatica has several possible causes, treatment should be based on an evaluation of the underlying problem.
-
Lumbar traction may be included in conservative care for certain disc-related conditions. The decision depends on the location and severity of the disc problem, the patient's symptoms, and other health considerations.
-
Lumbar traction is intended to provide a gentle stretching sensation rather than pain. The amount of traction can be adjusted according to the patient's condition and comfort.
-
Both treatments use traction to gently stretch the spine, but the equipment, treatment protocols, and way the force is applied can differ. Your chiropractor can determine which approach is more appropriate based on your condition and treatment goals.